Ball ejecting cone-shaped chance device

ABSTRACT

A stationary cone-shaped distributor is provided with a random arrangement of a plurality of pegs of varying sizes extending upwardly from the upper surface of the distributor. A series of circumferentially spaced teeth are disposed along the marginal edge of the distributor and define pockets therebetween. Various indicia is associated with each respective pocket. A spring biased pin or plunger is mounted for sliding movement in an opening and recess located centrally of the distributor and is provided with a flat base engageable with a leaf spring mounted in a cavity in the distributor. In use, a player depresses a ball member against the spring loaded plunger until the ball member is seated in the recess. The player then removes his finger allowing the spring loaded plunger to eject the ball member from the recess, the ball being free to roll downwardly along the surface of the distributor. The ball member rolls in a meandering path between the pegs until it finally comes to rest in an indicated pocket.

1 Jan. 21, 1975 BALL EJECTING CONE-SHAPED CHANCE DEVICE [76] Inventor: Nicholas D. Trbovich, 28

Tanglewood Dr., West, Orchard Park, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Aug. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 387,125

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 125,588, March 18, 1971, Pat.

[52] US. Cl. 273/138 R, 124/16, 273/120 R [51] Int. Cl. A63f 7/10 [58] Field of Search 273/138 R, 120 R, 120 A, 273/113,115, 116,119 R, 119 A, 123 R, 123 A, 95 R, 95 H, 134 GM, 134 GA ll/l929 3/1920 Germany 273/138 R Great Britain 273/38 Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Arnold W. Kramer Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christal & Beam [57] ABSTRACT A stationary cone-shaped distributor is provided with a random arrangement of a plurality of pegs of varying sizes extending upwardly from the upper surface of the distributor. A series of circumferentially spaced teeth are disposed along the marginal edge of the dis tributor and define pockets therebetween. Various indicia is associated with each respective pocket. A spring biased pin or plunger is mounted for sliding movement in an opening and recess located centrally of the distributor and is provided with a flat base engageable with a leaf spring mounted in a cavity in the distributor. In use, a player depresses a ball member against the spring loaded plunger until the ball member is seated in the recess. The player then removes his finger allowing the spring loaded plunger to eject the ball member from the recess, the ball being free to roll downwardly along the surface of the' distributor. The ball member rolls in a meandering path between the pegs until it finally comes to rest in an indicated pocket.

10 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures BALL EJECTING CONE-SHAPED CHANCE DEVICE CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to games played for amusement and, more particularly, to a new and improved tabletop game apparatus. While not limited thereto, as will become apparent, the apparatus of this invention is adapted to the playing of a simulated game of football.

Amusement games based upon the nationally recognized methods and rules of the playing of games such as football are known. Generally, these games fall into two broad classifications, one in which the success of the players is dependent entirely on the element of chance, and the other includes risks and stratagems optionally exercised by the players. In the latter, the success of the players depends upon their knowledge of the science and strategy of the game, thereby offering a greater challenge and greater opportunity for sustained interest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an amusement apparatus in the form of a tabletop game which is highly entertaining, simulates the excitement and thrills of a real contest, and which includes not only chance happenings, events, and stratagems as they would likely occur in a regular game but also risks and stratagems optionally exercisable by the players whereby more than .mere chance is involved in playing the game.

In one aspect thereof, the game is played on a horizontal board which includes a playing field, an inclined panel supported on the board and a distributor provided with means for determining the outcome of certain play situations. A plurality of pivotable members, representing defensive players, are selectively positioned and oriented on the panel and one or more ball members, representing offensive players, are selectively positioned behind a gate in channels provided on the upper end of the inclined panel which functions as a scrimmage panel. The balls are released and permitted to roll down the inclined panel and are either stopped by the pivotal members or advance past them into grooves provided at the lower end of the inclined panel. A ball stopped by a pivotal member is delivered thereby to a relatively remote lane upon pivotal engagement of the pivotal member by another ball. The termination of the rolling motion of the ball member, representing a ball carrier or passer, determines the result of a given play or the sequence to be followed as outlined by indicia at several locations on the scrimmage panel. Indicating means are provided on the first panel to record the play-by-play status of the game as it progresses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an amusement game constructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view thereof, looking from the left as viewed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view thereof looking from the right as viewed in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken about on line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken about on line 6-6 of FIG. I;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken about on line 7-7 of FIG: 1;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken about on line 88 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, bottom plan view of a rotatable indicator used in conjunction with this invention;

and

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken about on line l0l0 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a board, comprehensively designated 10, having a simulated football playing field 12 on the upper surface thereof, which field is provided with upstanding goal posts 13 at the opposite ends thereof and is marked off on a reduced scale, at 5 yard intervals. An elongated slot 14 extends lengthwise of field l2 centrally thereof for receiving a guide member 16 (FIG. 6) depending from a slide 18, which is shaped in the form of a football and is provided with points 20 extending laterally from opposite sides thereof. Guide 16 projects below the bottom of board 10 and is provided witha slot or opening (not shown) for receiving one end of a compression spring 22 bearing against the bottom of board 10 to resiliently secure slide 18 in adjusted position on board 10. Thus, slide I8 can be moved longitudinally of the playing field 12 to indicate the position of the football after a given play. v

Another elongated slot 24 is located in board 10 adjacent one side of field 12 and extends lengthwise thereof for receiving a guide member 26 (FIG. 7) depending from a slide 28. Guide member 26 projects below the bottom of board 10 and is provided with a slot or opening (not shown) to receive one end of a compression spring 30 bearing against the bottom of board 10 to resiliently secure slide 28 in adjusted position on board 10. Slide 28 has an elongated body 32 provided with laterally extending pointers 34 at the opposite ends thereof, the spacing between pointers 34 representing a distance of 10 yards on playing field 12 and being used to determine the distance football slide 18 must advance in order to obtain a first down as is well known to those familiar with the rules of football.

Board 10 is supported along its marginal edge by a pair of elongated tubular support members 36 extending lengthwise of board 10 and a pair of elongated tubular support members 38 extending crosswise of panel 10. Each of these support members is rectangular in cross section (FIG. 5) and has an inner wall 40 provided with a pair of spaced, inturned flanges 42 defining a slot 44 for receiving the marginal edge portion of board 10. The end portions of adjacent members 36 and 38 are joined together by arcuate splice members or connectors 46 provided with flanges 48 suitably secured to board 10 as by means of fasteners 50.

Board 10 is generally rectangular in plan and preferably is formed of composition board with the various designations and indicia printed on a lithograph sheet or sheets cemented to the uppersurface of board 10 and then coated with a thin protective film of transparent plastic material. However, board 10 can be composed of any suitable material with various designs and information imprinted directly thereon within the purview of the present invention.

A separable panel 52, preferably of transparent material, is positioned on the left end of board 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Panel 52 comprises a bottom wall 54 (FIG. a top end wall 56, a lower end wall 58 and a pair of side walls 60 and 62. Lower end wall 58 is provided with a flange or ledge 64 having an upper surface on which indicia are printed or otherwise applied as will hereinafter become apparent. An intermediate wall 63 extends lengthwise of panel 52 in spaced parallel relation to wall 60. A ledge or platform 66 extends between walls 60 and 63 substantially lengthwise thereof in the plane of ledge 64 and has an upper surface upon which indicia also are imprinted or otherwise applied for a purpose that will hereinafter be explained.

A plurality of rectangularly shaped, box-like elements 68 extend along wall 62 in longitudinally spaced relation and define cut-out sections 70 therebetween. The intermediate and lower elements 68, as shown in FIG. 1, are provided with projections 72 extending into the cut-out sections 70 for a reason that will become presently apparent.

To orient and support panel 52 in an inclined position on board 10, a pair of laterally spaced bracket-like extensions 74 (FIG. 5) project outwardly from bottom end wall 58 and have depending finger portions 76 of reduced dimensions insertable in spaced slots 78 in board 10. The upper end of bottom wall 54 is provided with a pair of spaced ribs 80 extending below the bottom surface thereof and defining a channel for receiving the upper edge of a removable support member 82 the lower end of which engages in the juncture of board and tubular member 36. When panel 52 is not in use, support member 82 is removed so that panel 52 can be swung downwardly to a position of rest against board 10. Thus, brackets 74 provide a pivotal support for panel 52 on board 10, although it will be appreciated that panel 52 can be removed from board 10 and used separately or with another board.

Panel 52 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending partitions 84 and 86 at the upper end thereof as viewed in FIG. 1 for defining a series of channels 88 in which marbles or other ball members 90 are placed. partitions 84 are longer than partitions 86 and have grooves 92 adjacent the lower ends thereof, thegrooves 92 being in transverse alignment for receiving a restraining, barrier gate 94 extending transversely of channels 88 for releasably retaining ball members 90 therein.

A plurality of rows of longitudinally spaced-apart partitions are mounted on the upper surface of panel wall 54. Each row comprises alternating long and short partitions 96 and 98, respectively, constituting an interrupted wall extending longitudinally of panel 52. Each pair of adjacent rows 96, 98 defines a lane along which ball members 90 can roll, the lanes being identified by the letters A-I-I and corresponding in number to the number of chanels 88 with which they are aligned. Each pair of laterally adjacent partitions 96 defines a compartment 100 having a pivot pin 102 located approximately centrally thereof and extending inwardly from panel 52 and a support pin 104 spaced longitudinally from pin 102 for a purpose hereinafter explained. It will be seen that the short partitions 98 are disposed in spaced longitudinal alignment with pivot pins 102 and are located adjacent the bottom of compartments as shown in FIG. 1. In lieu of partitions 98, pegs can be utilized as shown at 99 in the bottom row of compartments 100, such pegs serving the same purpose as partitions 98. A partition 103 is mounted on panel 52 adjacent wall 63 in line with partitions 96 between lanes A and B and has an upwardly and laterally outwardly inclined extension for directing a rolling ball member 90 away from wall 63. Also, a series of pegs 105 are mounted in the lower left corner of panel 52 to deflect and change the path of movement of rolling ball members 90.

A plurality of pivotable gate members 106 are selectively mounted in compartments 100. Each member 106 has an elongated body portion 108 provided with a hub 110 on opposite sides thereof having an opening therethrough for rotational engagement about pin 102 with either surface of body 108 facing upwardly. Body portion 108 terminates at one end in an L-shaped head formation having a projecting finger 112 thereon and serving as a stop or barrier for interrupting the rolling motion of ball members 90 and for deflecting the latter into a different path of travel. The other end or tail of body portion 108 is bifurcated to form a pair of projecting abutments 114 adapted to be struck by a ball member 90 for swinging member 106 to an alternate position. The swinging movement of member 106 is terminated by the engagement of either abutment 114 with partitions 98 or pegs 99. Members 106 can be selec tively placed on pins 102 so that the finger formations 112 are oriented either to the left or right side of body portion 108 but disposed above its associated pivot pin 102 as shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the asymmetrical members can be inverted on pins 102, but with the heads always in the upwardly facing position. Body portion 108 rests on the boss 109 surrounding the base of its pivot pin 102 and is readily swung over support pin 104 in an arcuate path of limited range as determined by the engagement of abutments 114 with partitions 98 or pins 99.

Normally, each member 106 spans two lanes with the head end extending into one lane and the tail end extending into an adjacent lane in the same compartment 100. The configuration of formation 112 is such as to be able to trap a ball member 90 therein in spaced relation to the adjacent partition wall, as indicated at 107 in FIG. 1, thereby loading the member 106. A subsequent rolling ball member 90 engaging abutment 114 of the loaded member 106 in the adjacent lane E will swing that member 106 about its pivot pin 102 to move the head thereof and the trapped ball across the adjacent lane E and release the ball member 90 from formation 112 into a third lane D which is exterior of the compartment in which that member 106 is located. Of course, any ball member 90 engaging abutment 114 will move the latter out of the way and continue to advance downwardly along panel 52. Also, ball members It should be appreciated that panel 52, together with ball members and pivotal members 106 can constitute an amusement game, per se, and is not restricted to use with the associated football game herein described. Support member 82 or any other suitable support could be utilized to maintain panel 52 in an inclined position on a table or any other support surface. Likewise, any number of game objectives, each having predetermined rules, are envisaged by the panel arrangement of this invention. However, in the use of panel 52 in connection with the illustrative football game of this invention, ball members 90 represent offensive players and pivotal members 106 represent defensive players.

A stationary cone-shaped distributor is mounted on the lower right hand corner of board 10 as shown in FIG, 1 and is provided with a random arrangement of a plurality of pegs 122 of varying sizes extending upwardly from the upper surface of distributor 120. A series of circumferentially spaced teeth 124 are disposed along the marginal edge of distributor 120 and define pockets 126 therebetween. A spring biased pin or plunger 128 is mounted for sliding movement in an opening located centrally of distributor 120 and is provided with a flat base 130 engagable with a leaf spring 132 mounted in a cavity in distributor 120 and supported on board 10. Distributor 120 is secured to board 10 by a plurality of studs 133 depending from the base of distributor 120 and projecting through corresponding openings in board 10, the studs 133 being held in place by a suitable fastener, such as Tinnerman nuts 134 for example.

An annular strip 135 having indicia imprinted thereon, is located on board 10 adjacent the peripheral edge of distributor 120. In the illustrated embodiment, this indicia is in the form of letters corresponding to pockets 126. In use, a player depresses a ball member 90 against spring loaded plunger 128 until ball member 90 is seated in dimple or recess 136. The player then removes his finger allowing the spring loaded plunger 128 to eject ball member 90 from the recess, the ball being free to roll downwardly along the surface of distributor 120. Ball member 90 rolls in a meandering path between pegs 122 until it finally comes to rest in a pocket 126. The letter is referenced to the indicia imprinted on ledge 66 which indicates the result of a given play as will hereinafter be described.

While distributor 120 is utilized in conjunction with a simulated football game as herein described, it should be realized that distributor 120 can be used in conjunction with other games, as desired.

Also mounted on board 10 at the upper right corner thereof as viewed in FIG. 1 are a plurality of recording means, generally designated 138, 140, 142 and 144 having rotatable indicators located beneath board 10 and on which are printed appropriate numerals which are successively displayed through windows 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 and 156 out through board 10 below the printed designations VISITORS, HOME, DOWN and QUARTER. Since the indicators are of identical construction and all function in the same manner, a detailed description of only one is believed sufficient.

With reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a rotatable indicator 160 having appropriate numerals printed on the upper surface thereof. A knob 161 is provided for rotating indicator 160 and comprises a body 162 having an annular shoulder 163 bearing against the upper surface of board 10. Means are provided for securing knob 161 to indicator 160, such means comprising a central stud 164 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced studs 165 projecting downwardly from the base of body 162 through board 10 and suitable openings in indicator 160 and secured to the latter by means of a spring metal fastener 166. As shown in FIG. 9, fastener 166 includes a pair of diametrically opposed prongs 167 biting into central stud 164 and having notches 168 for receiving two of the studs 165. The other pair of studs 165 engage the longitudinal edges of fastener 166 whereby rotation of knob 161 effects rotation of fastener 166 through studs 164, 165 to rotate indicator 160 and thereby index the proper numeral below window 146 to record the play-by-play status of the game as it progresses.

The indicia appearing on platform 66 provides information indicating the results of various plays and are used in conjunction with distributor 120. Such indicia bears five general headings, identified by reference numerals 170, 172, 174, 176 and 178, and said heading can comprise for example, PENALTIES, KICK AND PUNT, PASS INTERCEPTION AND RETURN, FIELD GOAL, and POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN, respectively. Under each of these headings, the letters A through M, corresponding to the letters on annular strip 135 of distributor 120, are listed in alphabetical order with each letter specifying the result of a particular play. An exemplary heading, such as PENALTIES for example, could include the following play results:

PENALTIES A DEF. OFFSIDE 5 YDS. B OFF. OFFSIDE 5 YDS. C DEF. ILL. PROC. l5 YDS, D OFF. ILL. PROC. l5 YDS. M DEF. PERS. FOUL l5 YDS It should be appreciated that more or less than l3 plays can be provided under a particular heading if desired, provided however, that either a corresponding number of letters are included on strip 135, or that certain results are repeated. In some instances, such as in the case of POINTS AFTER TOUCHDOWN and FIELD GOAL, certain results would be repeated because there are only a limited number of plays which can be effected. Also, it should be realized that the above listed plays are representative only and that an almost infinite variety of play results can be substituted for those described above, as desired.

The indicia provided on ledge 64 also indicates the result of a play and/or determines the sequel to be followed during the course of the game. The designations on ledge 64 comprise alternate strips 180 and 182 representing RUSH and PASS play situations with indicia bearing information imprinted on each of these strips. Such strips can be in contrasting colors. As shown in FIG. 1, the width of each ball receiving groove 116 equals the combined widths of a pair of adjacent strips 180 and 182 so that if an offensive ball member 90 should advance past the defensive players represented by members 106 and become lodged in any one of the grooves 116, the information provided on either strip 180 or 182 will be followed depending on whether the play initially elected was a pass or a run play, it being understood that the option to pass or run is exercised by the offensive player prior to initiating the play. In-

formation such as the following is printed on strips 180 and 182, from left to right as viewed in FIG. 1 with the asterik denoting pass plays:

RUSH & PASS 5 YARD LOSS; l YARD LOSS*;

YARDS;

l0 YARDS;

l0 YARDS;

25 YARDS; TOUCHDOWN; TOUCHDOWN; etc.

The upper surfaces of box-like elements 68 along the right side of panel 52 are separated into rectangularlyshaped spaces by longitudinal lines 184 and transverse lines 186, the spaces being identified by reference numerals 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218. Spaces 200 and 202 are marked with the designations PASS and RUSH, respectively. Spaces 204218 are marked with numerals at the upper ends thereof indicating the yardage gained or lost by the offensive players, as represented by ball members 90, upon termination of the forward motion of such ball members 90, by members 106 or by the cut-out sections 70 along a line corresponding with the respective numerals. For example, starting from the top as viewed in FIG. 1 and working downwardly therefrom, an exemplary listing of numerals located in spaces 204-218 appear as follows:

As an illustration, assume that a ball member 90 representing an offensive player in a pass play advances downwardly along panel 52 and is stopped by barrier 112 of a pivotal member 106 located in the third horizontal row from the top. A corresponding reading under a pass play in space 214 (transversely aligned with the pivot 102 of that member 106) indicates that the offensive team has advanced 2 yards. Thus, football slide 18 will be advanced two yards on field 12.

The football game of the present invention is played by two players each representing one of the teams which will alternately be on the offensive and defensive, respectively, and which can be designated either the home" team or the visitors. As in actual football, the player representing the offensive team endeavors to score a touchdown or make successive first downs to achieve a touchdown while the player representing the defensive team attempts to block such endeavors. When a team is on the offensive, it is represented by ball members 90 and when on the defensive, is represented by eleven pivotal members 106. One of the ball members is designated 90' and can be of a different color, representing the ball carrier or passer while the other two ball members 90 represent offensive blockers. In the event "a pass play is contemplated,

otal members 106 in compartments 100 or panel 52 to provide a selective defense formation after each play. After the defense is set up, the offense is allowed the same amount of time to selectively position balls and/or 90 in any one or more channels 88 behind rcstraining gate 94. If either team exceeds the time limit in positioning their players, they are penalized.

In playing the game, a toss of a coin determines which team will kick to start the game. Assuming that the visitors win the toss and elect to receive, the home team must kick off and slide 18 is moved to bring pointers 20 into position on the home team s 40 yard line. The player representing the home" team urges one of the ball members 90 against the spring biased pin 128 on distributor 120 and depresses the same. When the ball is released, it rolls down the slope of distributor 120 in a random path between pegs 122 until it comes to rest in one of the pockets 126 disposed along the periphery of distributor 120. Assuming that the ball lodges in a groove or pocket 126 designated A, reference is made to A under the heading KICK AND PUNT on ledge 66 which might specify a 40 yard kick and a fair catch. Football slide 18 is then moved 40 yards along playing field 12 to the oppositions 20 yard line, of the opposing team which now has possession of the ball. The lplayer representing the defensive team then positions pivotal members 106 in selected compartments and orients the heads 112 of members 106 in the direction desired. The player representing the offensive team then places ball members 90 and 90' in any one or more channels 88, for example as shown in FIG. 1. Restraining gate 94 is then raised vertically allowing ball members 90 and 90' to roll downwardly along inclined panel 52. Blocker ball members 90 serve as offensive blocking backs running interference for ball carrier 90' and can be strategically placed in channels 88 to encounter abutments 114 of certain pivotal members 106 for disabling the latter as obstacles in the path of ball carrier 90.

Pass or Rush plays are completed when ball member 90 is trapped by a defensive player, as represented by member 106 on panel 52, forced out of bounds into cut-out sections 70, or reaches the bottom of panel 152 and becomes lodged in one of the grooves 116. Should ball member 90' be stopped along panel 52 prior to reaching the bottom thereof, the resultant yardage gain or loss will be taken from the readings on elements 68. If ball member 90' advances past all the pivotal members 106, the corresponding information on either strip 180 or 182 will be followed, depending on whether a rush play or a pass play was executed. For example, if a rush play was executed and ball members 90' lodges in a groove 116 having PENALTY inscribed on the corresponding strip 180, distributor 120 must be used to determine the extent of such penalty and against whom the penalty is applied. A ball member 90 is then placed on spring biased pin 128 and released to allow ball member 90 to roll at random along the slope of distributor 120 until it becomes lodged in one of the pockets 126. If ball member 90 is stopped in a groove 126 designating the letter D, reference is made to D under the general heading PENALTIES, which bears the information Off. Illegal Procedure 15 yards." The offensive team is accordingly penalized 15 yards and football slide 18 is moved the same proportionate distance on playing field 12 against the offensive team. The game progresses in this manner to its conclusion,

it being understood that the general rules of football are applicable in playing the game.

Rush plays place two or three ball members 90 in motion and take more consideration due to the possibilities of the blocker ball members becoming lodged in the penalty slot. If a blocker ball member incurs a penalty, distributor 120 must be used as described above to determine whether it is an offensive or defensive penalty and the extent of the penalty, such penalty being effective to alter the outcome of the rush play.

In playing the game, a certain degree of proficiency can be developed in selectively positioning the defensive players so as to stop the offensive. A swinging gate maze of this general type is known (see US. Pat. No. 3,278,187). There, however, the ball is trapped between the swinging gate and a partition wall segment and is simply released to continue in its original path or lane, as distinguished from the instant invention wherein the ball is trapped entirely by the swinging gate and is transferred across the adjacent lane for release into a remote lane. The instant invention is further distinguished by the barrier gate arrangement for simultaneous release of a plurality of balls, and by the reversibility of the gate members for either right or left hand delivery of the trapped balls.

The present invention thus provides an amusement game apparatus which may be readily set up and played by any two players familiar with the rules of the simulated game. The game not only includes chance occurances but also requires a degree of skill including strategy and risks optionally exercisable by either player in selectively positioning the offensive and defensive players.

A single embodiment of this invention having been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that this has been done by way of illustration only.

I claim:

1. A game apparatus comprising: a body having a base and an upper conical surface, a plurality of pegs projecting upwardly from said conical surface, a plurality of ball receiving pockets disposed about the marginal edge of said conical surface, said conical surface being provided with a hole centrally of said surface, a plunger slidably disposed in said hole, ball seating means operatively associated with said plunger, means mounted in said body biasing said plunger to an upper position wherein the upper end of said plunger projects above said conical surface, said plunger being depressed against said biasing means by a force exerted against a ball placed on the upper end of said plunger and on said seating means whereby removal of said force causes said plunger to expel said ball.

2. A game apparatus comprising: a body having a base and an upper conical surface along which an object is adapted to move, means projecting upwardly from said conical surface for deflecting said rolling object and changing the path of movement thereof, a plurality of object receiving pockets disposed about the marginal edge of said conical surface, a plunger slid ably mounted through a hole in said body, means mounted in said body biasing said plunger to an upper position wherein the upper end of said plunger projects above said conical surface, ball seating means operatively associated with said plunger, said plunger being depressed against said biasing means by a force exerted against said object placed on the upper end of said plunger and on said seating means whereby removal of said force causes said plunger to expel said object.

3. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means projecting comprises a plurality of pegs extending upwardly from said conical surface and randomly spaced from each other.

4. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said conical surface is provided with said hole centrally of said surface for receiving said plunger therethrough.

5. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plunger is provided with a base and said biasing means comprises a leaf spring mounted in a cavity of said body and engagable against said plunger base.

6. A game apparatus according to claim 2 including annularly arranged indicia disposed adjacent said marginal edge of said conical surface and corresponding to said pockets.

7. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means projecting comprises a plurality of pegs extending upwardly from said conical surface and spaced from each other, said conical surface being provided with said hole centrally of said surface for receiving said plunger therethrough, said plunger being provided with a base, and said biasing means comprising a leaf spring mounted in a cavity of said body and engagable against said plunger base.

8. A game apparatus according to claim 1 including annularly arranged indicia disposed adjacent said marginal edge of said cone-shaped member and corre sponding to said pockets.

9. A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ball seating means comprises a recess provided in said conical surface around said hole.

10. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein sail ball seating means comprises a recess provided in said conical surface around said hole. 

1. A game apparatus comprising: a body having a base and an upper conical surface, a plurality of pegs projecting upwardly from said conical surface, a plurality of ball receiving pockets disposed about the marginal edge of said conical surface, said conical surface being provided with a hole centrally of said surface, a plunger slidably disposed in said hole, ball seating means operatively associated with said plunger, means mounted in said body biasing said plunger to an upper position wherein the upper end of said plunger projects above said conical surface, said plunger being depressed against said biasing means by a force exerted against a ball placed on the upper end of said plunger and on said seating means whereby removal of said force causes said plunger to expel said ball.
 2. A game apparatus comprising: a body having a base and an upper conical surface along which an object is adapted to move, means projecting upwardly from said conical surface for deflecting said rolling object and changing the path of movement thereof, a plurality of object receiving pockets disposed about the marginal edge of said conical surface, a plunger slidably mounted through a hole in said body, means mounted in said body biasing said plunger to an upper position wherein the upper end of said plunger projects above said conical surface, ball seating means operatively associated with said plunger, said plunger being depressed against said biasing means by a force exerted against said object placed on the upper end of said plunger and on said seating means whereby removal of said force causes said plunger to expel said object.
 3. A Game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means projecting comprises a plurality of pegs extending upwardly from said conical surface and randomly spaced from each other.
 4. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said conical surface is provided with said hole centrally of said surface for receiving said plunger therethrough.
 5. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said plunger is provided with a base and said biasing means comprises a leaf spring mounted in a cavity of said body and engagable against said plunger base.
 6. A game apparatus according to claim 2 including annularly arranged indicia disposed adjacent said marginal edge of said conical surface and corresponding to said pockets.
 7. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means projecting comprises a plurality of pegs extending upwardly from said conical surface and spaced from each other, said conical surface being provided with said hole centrally of said surface for receiving said plunger therethrough, said plunger being provided with a base, and said biasing means comprising a leaf spring mounted in a cavity of said body and engagable against said plunger base.
 8. A game apparatus according to claim 1 including annularly arranged indicia disposed adjacent said marginal edge of said cone-shaped member and corresponding to said pockets.
 9. A game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ball seating means comprises a recess provided in said conical surface around said hole.
 10. A game apparatus according to claim 2 wherein sail ball seating means comprises a recess provided in said conical surface around said hole. 